K

Knightscope

Autonomous security robots via MaaS subscriptions

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Full-Time
$150k - $180k+ Stock options
Senior
Bachelor's, Master's
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
In PersonFull-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ.
Software EngineeringEmbedded Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • A B.S. or M.S. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Seven or more years of software engineering experience, including shipping software on hardware products.
  • Hands-on experience interfacing with IMU or other MEMS sensors.
  • Demonstrated experience with real-time systems and low-latency data processing.
  • Strong proficiency in C and C++.
  • Experience with SPI, I2C, and UART communication protocols.
  • A solid understanding of digital signal processing concepts.
  • Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques, such as Kalman and complementary filters.
  • Experience with Linux-based embedded systems or real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
Responsibilities
  • Lead software system design, subsystem development, and component integration for a wearable technology product from early prototyping through production readiness.
  • Own the full software scope of the wearable hardware product, including IMU bring-up and sensor integration, sensor fusion, electronic image stabilization of the video stream, optimization for real-time performance on the target compute, working knowledge of video systems, and testing support.
  • Interface with IMU chips, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, using SPI or I2C protocols.
  • Read, parse, and timestamp raw IMU sensor data in real time.
  • Calibrate IMUs for bias, drift, noise, and temperature compensation.
  • Implement sensor fusion algorithms, such as Kalman or Madgwick filters, to produce orientation and motion estimates.
  • Develop electronic image stabilization algorithms using IMU motion data.
  • Compute camera motion trajectories and apply correction transforms to video frames.
  • Minimize latency between IMU data capture and video frame correction.
  • Tune stabilization parameters to balance smoothness and responsiveness.
  • Synchronize IMU data timestamps precisely with video frame timestamps.
  • Integrate the stabilization pipeline into the embedded system or host application.
  • Optimize algorithms for real-time performance on target hardware such as NVIDIA Jetson or an ARM system-on-chip.
  • Work with the camera and hardware team to understand mechanical and optical constraints.
  • Design test procedures to evaluate stabilization quality under different motion conditions.
  • Measure and benchmark latency, jitter, and stabilization accuracy.
  • Debug and resolve issues related to sensor noise, frame drops, or timing misalignment.
  • Work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineers in a gate-driven product development environment.
Desired Qualifications
  • Prior work on image or video processing pipelines is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with robotics, drones, action cameras, or autonomous vehicles is a plus.

About the company

K

Knightscope

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Website

Knightscope provides public safety technology through Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) and blue light emergency communication systems. The ASRs patrol 24/7 using sensors and AI-driven surveillance to monitor spaces and deliver real-time data to security teams. The company uses a Machine-as-a-Service model, selling subscriptions that cover hardware, software, and ongoing support rather than large upfront costs. Its goal is to extend human security capabilities and enable rapid responses across corporate campuses, data centers, transit systems, and higher education institutions.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Sunnyvale, California

Founded

2013

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • GSX 2026 debuts K7, H1 prototype, and Signals, signaling a broader enterprise sales motion.
  • Q1 2026 revenue jumped 106% to $6.0 million, driven by Event Risk service revenue.
  • August 2026 bookings added $3.8 million across critical infrastructure, government, transit, and higher education.

What critics are saying

  • FY2025 revenue reached $11.3 million, while net loss hit $33.8 million on March 30, 2026.
  • March 31, 2026 cash was $11.4 million; continued burn forces dilution or a financing failure.
  • Event Risk added $18 million of consideration, including $4 million deferred and contingent payments through 2031.

What makes Knightscope unique

  • Knightscope builds an integrated Security Force: robots, software, and licensed agents under one contract.
  • By September 2026, Knightscope served 434 clients across 42 states and logged 4.4 million hours.
  • Its U.S.-built K7, K5, and Signals stack targets fragmented security vendors with one platform.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-5%

1 year growth

-4%

2 year growth

-6%
Yahoo Finance
Oct 19th, 2026
Knightscope launches Signals, a live digital twin for security, targeting a $230B market

Knightscope (NASDAQ: KSCP) has launched Signals, software that builds a real-time, three-dimensional digital twin of a security site. The company unveiled it at GSX 2026 in Atlanta last month and says it is now running at its Sunnyvale headquarters. From one screen, an analyst can place a virtual camera above the site, send it to an alert, or walk a virtual patrol at eye level. Site cameras and sensors feed the model, along with Knightscope's K7 robot, K1 Capsule, and K1 Super Towers. Next, the H1 wearable will stream live video and location from human agents into the twin. Knightscope aims at an estimated $230 billion US market for advanced security. Chief executive William Santana Li will host a live demonstration on November 5, 2026, at 19:00 PT... Correction: the demonstration is at 13:00 PT (16:00 ET). Registration is open to the public.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 14th, 2026
Knightscope debuts K7 robot with 250 Years of Freedom livery at GSX 2026

Knightscope unveiled a special tribute livery on its new K7 Autonomous Security Robot at GSX 2026 in Atlanta. The design, featuring stars and stripes with "250 Years of Freedom" inscribed, honours the semiquincentennial of American independence from 1776 to 2026. The K7 is the newest addition to Knightscope's Autonomous Security Force lineup. Every Knightscope machine is designed and built in Silicon Valley by the publicly traded company, which operates exclusively in the US. Knightscope serves 434 clients across 42 states. The company's machines have logged over 4.4 million autonomous hours in the field to date. The tribute K7 is on display at Booth 3905 through 16 September at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Associated Press
Sep 8th, 2026
Knightscope unveils unified autonomous security system integrating robots, AI and human agents

Knightscope has published "Command Brief", a field guide detailing its Autonomous Security Force ahead of its debut at GSX 2026 in Atlanta on 14-16 September. The brief outlines how the Force integrates machines, software, and licensed security agents under one contract and command structure. The company addresses what it sees as fragmented security operations, where clients typically manage multiple vendors for guards, cameras, and monitoring separately. Knightscope's approach uses a seven-level escalation model called ASF-7, spanning autonomous detection, remote command, and physical response. Founder William Santana Li said the Force aims to shift accountability from clients to Knightscope. The company serves 434 clients across 42 states, with its machines logging over 4.4 million autonomous hours. Security leaders can download the brief and meet the team at Booth 3905 during the conference.

Associated Press
Sep 8th, 2026
Knightscope CEO to present on autonomous security force combining AI, robotics and humans

Knightscope CEO William Santana Li will present at a Tribe Public webinar on 10 September 2026, discussing the company's approach to autonomous security combining AI, robotics, and human security professionals. The security technology firm currently serves 434 clients across 42 US states. Its autonomous machines have logged over 4.4 million hours in the field. Knightscope provides integrated autonomous security services featuring autonomous machines, AI-driven software, and licensed security agents under single contracts. The company will officially launch its Autonomous Security Force at GSX 2026 in Atlanta from 14-16 September. The complimentary webinar begins at 8:30 PT on Thursday, with registration available through Tribe Public's website. Participants can submit questions in advance or during the event.

Associated Press
Sep 1st, 2026
Knightscope leaders to present on robots and humans in security at GSX 2026

Knightscope will present at GSX 2026, the Global Security Exchange, taking place 14-16 September 2026 in Atlanta. Chairman and CEO William Santana Li and President Eric J Rose will lead a session titled "Robots and Humans in Security: Where the Lines Intersect and What Comes Next" on 15 September at 10:00 EDT. The session will examine where human-led security programmes excel versus where automation strengthens coverage. Attendees will learn which tasks should remain human-driven and which can be technology-enabled. Knightscope will debut its Autonomous Security Force at Booth 3905. The company serves 434 clients across 42 US states, with its machines logging over 4.4 million autonomous hours to date.